Holy Cross College Mourns the Passing of Beloved Friend Robert Pfeil, HCC Trustee, Benefactor, and Honorary First Varsity Letterman

We regret to inform friends and alumni of the passing of Robert Pfeil, 83, on September 22, in the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center.

Robert Pfeil has been a close friend of the College since the very beginning. In fact, he represented the lead electrical contractor, Koontz-Wagner, during the construction of the campus’ Saint Joseph Chapel. Later, when his son Michael attended Holy Cross, he became active in Parent’s Council and on the Board.

“Bob was always a great resource for me, especially in matters related to construction or the physical plant,” says Br. Richard Gilman, CSC, Holy Cross College President. “He had a quiet way of explaining things that belied his extraordinary engineering knowledge.”

His considerable generosity in donating the outdoor basketball courts and for providing the largest single donation the College has ever received for the new recreation center, led to our decision to name it The Pfeil Recreation Center after Robert and his late wife, Dorothy,” Brother Richard recalls.

“No one has been more instrumental in supporting the development of Holy Cross College athletics programs than Robert Pfeil. Although students may not know his name today, he will soon be the most famous ‘Saint’ of them all when the new Pfeil Recreation Center opens next fall,” says Patricia Falvey, vice president for advancement.

“A few days before Bob died, we presented him with a varsity jacket. Although he was already very ill at the time, his face lit up with joy when we made the presentation,” Mrs. Falvey remembers. “At the request of Bob’s family, we will be placing the jacket in a plexiglass container to be displayed near the school’s new trophy case in the Pfeil Recreation Center, so that all future students and student athletes will remember the individual who made it possible,” she continues.

Robert Pfeil was granted the Cross of Hope Award by the Brothers of Holy Cross and the College in 2003. The College is asking all students, faculty, staff, friends, and alumni to remember Mr. Pfeil and his family in their prayers.

“Thanks for being our saint, Bob!”